Best sci-fi battle?

[Destructionator XV]

There have been many a battle in the whole of sci-fi. From the classic ship to ship conflicts like Balance of Terror to massive fleet engagements like Return of the Jedi, battles are cool.

Which battle from any sci-fi do you think takes the cake of best battle ever? Use any rating system you want: most badass, best executed, best special effects, best tactics, whatever.

[Cynical Cat]

I take it this is restricted to movies and tv? The best battle I ever read is the opening one in the second War World book, Death's Head Rebellion. A lone squadron of the Empire of Man is defending the planet Taneth as the Empire crumbles and Vessel First Rank Galen Diettenger commanding the Sauron heavy cruiser Fomoria has a mission to retrieve the borloi stored near Taneth's starport. The escalating battle the follows reveals the misconceptions each side has about the other as well as their blindness and dooms the Empire of Man and the Sauron Unified State. Tragedy and heroism in equal measure.

[Destructionator XV]

No, this need not be limited to movies and TV; just be sure to explain it well enough so we all know what you are talking about.

[Cynical Cat]

The Second battle of Taneth escalates as each side misreads the other sides intentions. What starts out as a smash and grab mission by the Saurons for medical supplies pitting one of their best commanders and a top of the line heavy cruiser (the Saurons build bigger and more powerful than the Empire) against an aging battlecruiser, two light cruisers, and three destroyers into a titanic fleet engagement which consumes the Sauron First and Second Fleets. The Empire of Man wins, but at the cost of so many losses that maintaining the Empire against all the Seccessionist systems and pirates is impossible. Both are doomed. Diettenger is proven correct, but after the damage is done. The most he can do is escape annhilation and find refuge at the distant planet Haven. The commander of the human squadron has the credit for his accomplishments stolen by the expediant of being set up on charges of collaberation with the enemy and treason.

[Lord Pounder]

The Final Redoubt battle at the end of Star By Star. The greatest battle in the whole of Star Wars. Thousands of capital ships battling it out over a dead planet and proving that even on his death bed Ackbar pwned.

[Ace Pace]

The Final Redoubt battle at the end of Star By Star. The greatest battle in the whole of Star Wars. Thousands of capital ships battling it out over a dead planet and proving that even on his death bed Ackbar pwned.

Destinys way. Not Star By Star, Stay by Star had the Ambush and the battle of Couscant.

Also, welcome. :)


My vote for movies? ROTJ ROTJ ROTJ. Sure, it was short, but I love it.
Ground Combat is a definite Matrix. Lobby.